how long will shut down last

The current U.S. government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to agree on a funding bill. It is uncertain exactly how long the shutdown will last. Senators are leaving town until Friday, so the shutdown will last at least until then, but it might continue longer due to sharp political divisions between Democrats and Republicans on budget priorities. The last major shutdown, during President Trump's first term in 2018-2019, lasted a record 35 days, ending only when severe disruptions to air travel demanded resolution. The current situation could similarly last days or weeks, depending on when one side yields under mounting public pressure and political consequences. Key negotiations have so far stalled with no immediate agreement in sight. The shutdown outcome remains unpredictable but likely will continue until Congress passes a spending bill or a stopgap measure to fund the government.